A double chin can make you look older and heavier no matter what your age or weight. And, in many cases, this fat doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise because genetics is often the cause.
What is Kybella Double Chin Treatment?
Kybella (formerly known as ATX-101) is the first FDA-approved, injectable drug used to reduce the appearance of submental fat, more commonly known as a double chin. It works by breaking up and destroying select fat cells where it is injected.
How Does Kybella Work?
Kybella is composed of deoxycholic acid, which breaks down and absorbs dietary fat. When Kybella is injected into subcutaneous fat, the underlying fat cells are destroyed and cannot rejuvenate. The procedure relies on the natural process of fat breakdown, therefore several treatments may be needed for the optimal result.
Who is a Candidate for the Procedure
Anyone over 18, in good health with moderate-to-severe submental fat can benefit from this treatment. Check with your physician if you are taking blood thinners before considering Kybella for double chin treatment. Caution should also be used if you’ve had prior surgery in the treatment area. If you have an active infection at the injection site, you must wait until it clears. Anyone who is pregnant, nursing, or has dysphagia (trouble swallowing) are ineligible for the procedure.
Is it painful?
Most patients report only mild discomfort at the beginning of the procedure that subsides once the treatment is completed. Topical anesthetics or lidocaine are available for those who feel they may need them. Most people find an over-the-counter pain reliever is adequate to relieve any discomfort post-procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
In most cases the treatment takes around 20 minutes.
When will I see results from Kybella?
Each treatment takes around 5-6 weeks to see the final result. The number of treatments required will depend on the amount of fat being treated. Most patients in the clinical trials obtained satisfactory results after 2-3 treatment sessions.
How long do the results last?
Once your aesthetic goal has been reached, there is no need for further treatment. When Kybella kills those fat cells, they are gone for good!
What is the downtime and potential complications following Kybella injections?
Kybella recovery is usually quick and uneventful. The most common complications of the procedure include swelling, firmness, numbness, and bruising at the injection site. Mild discomfort may be experienced at the injection sites but is easily treated with OTC pain relievers. Fortunately, the majority of complications are minor and resolve over 3-5 days.
Rare complications include a risk of tissue or nerve damage caused by the injections. This could cause facial muscle weakness or an off-balance smile. When the treatment is performed by a licensed professional, however, these risks are minimal
How much does Kybella cost?
The price of Kybella depends on how many injections are required for your needs, where you are located, and the experience of the practitioner providing the treatment. Dr. Jacob Boeckmann can provide you with an estimated cost for a full round of treatments during a consultation.
Kybella versus Liposuction
There are a few main points to keep in mind when making your decision between Kybella vs liposuction.
A liposuction surgery is done in a single visit and requires 1 week of downtime due to risks of swelling and bruising. If you have loose skin in this area (“turkey neck”), Kybella can’t address that problem, and liposuction might be a better choice for you.
Kybella can only be used for removal of fat under the chin. If there is significant adipose along the lateral neck and lower jawline, Kybella cannot be used to treat those areas. In addition, with Kybella,you may require a few treatments spaced out at least 5-6 weeks apart. But the best thing about Kybella is that it’s less invasive and can be performed easily in clinic. You avoid all the negative issues involved with surgery, such as anesthesia and other risks associated with surgery, such as the risk of infection and longer downtime.
Price-wise, Kybella might be a bit more expensive depending on the number of sessions you need, but both treatment methods are generally comparable.
Double Chin Treatment in Orange County
To learn more about double chin correction in Orange County, call the office at 949-273-3112 and make an appointment for a private consultation with Dr. Jacob Boeckmann.
